dailyloe.com – Siena College nearly achieved the biggest upset in NCAA Tournament history last Thursday against top overall seed Duke. The Saints led by double digits at halftime in Greenville, South Carolina. Their defensive plan successfully slowed national player of the year candidate Cameron Boozer.
Confidence grew for the green and gold team throughout the first half. Duke admitted they initially viewed Siena as a potential cakewalk opponent. The Saints maintained their lead coming out of the locker room after halftime.
A critical 13-second sequence then changed the game’s entire trajectory. Siena had possession with 17:30 remaining and a chance to extend their lead. Point guard Justice Shoats found center Riley Mulvey for what should have been an uncontested dunk.
Mulvey’s dunk attempt somehow rattled off both sides of the rim. Francis Folefac then attacked aggressively but missed another slam attempt. Duke’s Isaiah Evans secured the rebound and immediately pushed transition offense.
Evans blew by a backpedaling Justice Shoats for a critical basket. This sequence prevented Siena from potentially taking a 15-point lead. The missed opportunities shifted momentum permanently toward the Blue Devils.
The Saints had executed near perfection against a 32-2 Duke team. Every crucial three-pointer dropped during their impressive first-half performance. Their defensive strategy against Cameron Boozer worked effectively for most of the game.
This matchup demonstrated how March Madness creates unforgettable David versus Goliath stories. Siena’s performance will be remembered despite the heartbreaking conclusion. The 13-second sequence ultimately determined both teams’ tournament fates.[]
Source: Sports Illustrated
